3 Things to Look for When Choosing a Chiropractor

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We know that finding a healthcare provider can be a tough and overwhelming task at times. Understanding what to look for in a chiropractor before you choose can mean the difference between getting amazing results or mediocre ones at best. We’ve assembled a few things to take into consideration when choosing a chiropractor so you can find one that works right for you.

Cost transparency

We can all agree that knowing what kind of financial commitment you’re getting into before you begin care is pretty important. You wouldn’t do that kitchen remodel without knowing the upfront costs first, right?

Many conventional chiropractors won’t give a prospective patient any idea how long it will take or how much it will cost before they even have an examination. They offer a substantially reduced initial fee for a consultation and examination, which is often brief. They wait until the patient comes back for a “doctor’s report,” to explain the actual cost of care. This can be a very expensive care plan which can leave the patient with the feeling of sticker shock.

In our office, we start the process with a complimentary consultation, which is only a conversation and never a commitment to care. This is the time for the doctor to get a better understanding of your condition and to determine if we’re a fit for each other. It also gives us an opportunity to explain how we’re different from other chiropractors in Ann Arbor and discuss our fee structure and overall cost of care. If everything makes sense and sounds reasonable, we proceed to an examination. There are never any hidden costs or fees.

Detailed examination performed by the doctor

The initial examination for a new patient in any healthcare office is crucial. This is the time when a patient’s condition is assessed. The doctor will determine whether you are a candidate for care or need to be referred to another healthcare provider.

When so much of your health and wellbeing depend on this important time, it makes sense for the doctor to personally conduct the exam. However, a lot of conventional chiropractors will delegate this responsibility to a staff member who isn’t trained to perform clinical examinations.

Objective measurements

Some chiropractors rely on subjective over objective measurements. Subjective information is what the patient says and how they describe how they feel. For example, “I feel a sharp pain in my neck and I rate my pain as a 7 out of 10.” A pain rating of 7 for one person may be a 5 for someone else. With subjective data, the doctor relies only on the patient’s interpretation of the pain. While subjective data is important from a clinical standpoint it shouldn’t be the only indication of a patient’s progress with care. It is merely one piece of the puzzle in regards to assessing a patient’s condition.

Objective data – on the other hand – is irrefutable and therefore is the primary indicator of a patient’s condition. An x-ray showing the reduction of the neck curvature or a digital picture showing un-leveling of the shoulders with a head tilt is undeniable. We make recommendations for care based on the objective information obtained during the examination.

Then, when the recommendations are completed, we perform a reexamination to make sure we achieved the goals we set out to achieve. Correcting the underlying cause of the problem and showing this correction through objective measures ensures a more permanent solution to your health problem.

Come to Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor for a Chiropractor Who Puts You First!

We understand that healthcare choices are critical decisions and that you have many different options in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. If you have back pain, neck pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, it’s time to see a chiropractor. To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

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